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Michelin-Starred UK Chef to Headline Soneva Fushi’s Maldives Zipline Restaurant

Chef Michael Wignall will make his way to Flying Sauces, the world's first zipline restaurant, for a Maldivian residency in February 2024.

Soneva Fushi will soar to new heights early next year when renowned UK chef Michael Wignall brings the flavours of his Michelin-starred restaurant, The Angel at Hetton, to the private atoll.

The new menu will be served at the resort’s treetop restaurant, Flying Sauces, which guests can reach only after gliding through greenery for more than an hour on a 200-metre zipline route. Wignall is expected to combine years of experience in fine dining with local ingredients sourced from Soneva Fushi’s organic gardens. The degustation will be paired with more than 9,000 wines from the resort’s extensive cellars.

346 reviewsOutstanding9.6
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Soneva Fushi
Maldives Private Island Barefoot Luxury with the World’s First Zipline Fine-Dining Experience
3 nights, 1 villa from
US$5,421 total with
Non-memberUS$4,122
Valued up to US$6,373-14%
View offer
10.0
David H.
We stayed at this property last year and I completely forgot to leave a review. This really was a fantastic stay, we spent half the stay in a overwater pool villa and half in a family villa. The family villa is lovely but if you can I would stretch to the overwater, it’s is a truly awesome experience (slide into the sea, retractable roof to see the stars at night etc.) We were there with our two girls and the whole team was fantastic. Snorkelling off the different restaurants was definitely a highlight but the team really make the stay special. One side of the island looks onto a local island, that doesn’t give you the quintessential Maldives views but on the plus side, if you need medical attention it’s 5 mins away (which we did for our daughter). We’ve stayed at a number of resorts in the Maldives and this is the one we want to go back to.
10.0
sovon a.
Soneva Resort has always felt less like a destination and more like a dream I’m still chasing. I haven’t had the chance to stay there yet, but everything I’ve seen and read about it makes it seem almost unreal—like a place where luxury, nature, and peace exist in perfect balance. From the iconic overwater villas to the “no news, no shoes” philosophy, Soneva isn’t just about comfort, it’s about an experience. The idea of waking up to endless ocean views, having a private pool, open-air bathrooms, and personalized service sounds incredible. What fascinates me even more is their focus on sustainability—eco-friendly luxury that doesn’t compromise on indulgence. What makes this place even more special (and a little painful 😅) is the price. A stay at Soneva literally costs around my entire CTC, which makes it feel both aspirational and slightly out of reach—for now. But that’s also what makes it a dream worth working toward. One day, I hope to experience it for real—walking barefoot on white sand, watching a movie under the stars, and finally understanding what true luxury feels like. Until then, Soneva remains on top of my bucket list.
10.0
Julis c.
Amazing hotel in the Maldives! The place is beautiful, clean, and peaceful — exactly what you want for a relaxing holiday. Our room was modern, comfortable, and had an incredible view of the ocean. The staff were so friendly and always ready to help. They made us feel welcome from the first day. The food was delicious with plenty of choices, and the beach was perfect with clear blue water. We truly enjoyed every moment here. A wonderful hotel for anyone looking for comfort, good service, and a beautiful island experience. Highly recommended! 🌴✨
10.0
Antoni D.
Our stay at Soneva Fushi was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first moment until the last, we felt deeply cared for in a way that is both rare and unforgettable. A very special mention goes to Micky, our Barefoot Guardian, who looked after us from start to finish with an incredible balance of discretion, warmth, and efficiency. Always present, never intrusive—simply perfect. The culinary experience deserves its own standing ovation. The entire restaurant team was outstanding, led by the remarkable Chef Subah, whose vision and consistency elevate every outlet. Rahima at Fresh in the Garden made each visit feel personal and joyful, and Nimal, whom we seemed to encounter everywhere, was always attentively making sure everything (and everyone) was taken care of—especially during breakfast. Speaking of which: breakfast is absolutely mind-blowing, as are all the other outlets. The level of service and quality across the resort is exceptionally high and genuinely hard to match. The Spa: Soneva Soul is wonderful and so it is the gym, the jungle gym and the long walks on the sea shore! Our villa was equally impressive. We stayed in a Robinson Crusoe One Bedroom Villa with Pool, and it was perfection: ideal proportions, beautiful natural light, and an extraordinary sense of comfort. Quite honestly, it is one of the villas we have enjoyed the most in all our travels. We wholeheartedly recommend Soneva Fushi and will most definitely return. We had already stayed the previous year at Soneva Kiri, so expectations were already high—but Soneva Fushi still managed to exceed them. Thank you to the entire team for creating such a magical experience. Until next time. 💛

Wignall has cemented his place as one of Britain’s most respected chefs, leaving Michelin stars at every restaurant he heads. The Angel at Hetton, his current locale, was awarded a star within a year of opening in 2019. The Yorkshire gastropub pays homage to its English roots, delivering a Sunday roast each week and featuring flavours like fellow deer, chervil root, poached fig, green peppercorn and pine.

Positioned in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi is known for its immersion within pristine beaches and rainforests. Evergreen jungle surrounds 53 private villas, while the eight luxe water reserves each feature a private pool and direct ocean access. The resort has earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2023.

Soneva Fushi boasts 11 dining destinations and plays host to chefs from across the globe year-round. Guests can enjoy an abundance of wellness activities and dining experiences with Soneva Soul in February, including champagne breakfasts on a private sandbank, guided stargazing sessions and yoga by the ocean.

Wignall’s exclusive residency will run from 8 February to 8 May, 2024.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out Luxury Escapes’ Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2024.

Featured image: Soneva Fushi resort, courtesy of Soneva Fushi

Written by Siri Smith

Lover of trinkets and a wistful sentimental, Siri likes to collect tiny things and craft playlists to commemorate her favourite places. When she's not daydreaming, find this self-described polymath picking up a new hobby.
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